How to Be a Great Passenger: Cruise Etiquette Tips
A cruise vacation is all about letting loose and having fun but being courteous is just as important. Nobody wants to be that cruise passenger—the one who doesn’t know how to dress, behave or respect fellow shipmates. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you avoid any nautical no-nos. Here’s what to keep in mind for your next voyage.
Do Your Research
Before booking a cruise and scheduling excursions, consider any physical or dietary restrictions you have. For example, if you have a severe food allergy, it’s best to notify the cruise line beforehand so there’s time to accommodate your special food requests.
Be on Time
If you go on a shore excursion offered by your cruise, make sure you know when to return to the ship. On cruise-sponsored excursions, the ship is required to wait for you, which can be a hindrance to the ship’s staff and other passengers. To be sure of the schedule, take a copy of the itinerary with you when you leave the ship and leave plenty of time to head back to the port. It’s also important to be aware of the potential difference between the ship’s time and the time of the port you’re visiting.
Dress Appropriately
On your cruise, what you wear depends on the area of the ship and the occasion. So, make sure to pack a variety of clothes for several situations:
- Casual: Always bring by-the-pool clothes, such as bathing suits and flip-flops.
- Smart Casual: Some areas of your ship won’t allow swimwear but won’t require formal attire. Smart choices such as jeans, slacks, collared shirts, skirts, capris and casual dresses are welcome.
- Evening Chic: Now a popular substitute for the dressier formal nights, Evening Chic is the time to go stylishly comfortable. On these nights, ditch the sweatshirt and ripped jeans, but you shouldn’t feel like you need to reuse a fancy bridesmaid dress or wear a tux—unless you want to! It varies by cruise line, but women should feel comfortable wearing a cocktail dress, skirt, pants or designer jeans with an elegant top. Men should go for pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater.
Be Respectful in Public Areas
Whether you’re lounging at the pool or dining at the restaurant, you’ll be surrounded by other passengers and their families looking to have a good time on vacation. Don’t hog space or the shared equipment—such as lounge chairs—and always show respect for those around you.
Don’t Throw Anything Overboard
Do your part to keep our oceans clean and wildlife safe. Dispose of trash in the receptacles found around your ship. No one wants to be on a cruise with a litterer!
Enjoy Everything in Moderation
Cruise ships feature grand buffets and some have unlimited drinks packages, so it’s easy to indulge. Avoid overdoing it so you and those around you have a great time.
Be Kind to the Crew
At the end of the day, the ship’s crew, waitstaff, hosts and entertainers are working to make you happy. Return the favor with thanks and appreciation. Also, don’t forget to reward good service with gratuities when appropriate. Proper tipping etiquette can be difficult to navigate on a cruise, as customs vary by line, but suggested gratuities should be listed on your cruise line’s website. Prior to sailing, go to your cruise line’s website and find out what is appropriate.
Get Cruising
Flex your penchant for proper etiquette on an upcoming HGV voyage with CruisesOnly.
Tour the Greek Isles
Savor the sights and sounds of Santorini. Photo by Maglara/Getty Images
On June 5, 2020, embark on a 10-night roundtrip cruise aboard the Celebrity Edge to the Greek Isles, stopping at islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and finally Crete, which is where Members can look forward to a private excursion available only to them. Start in Rome, then sail across the Tyrrhenian Sea from the town of Civitavecchia. Enjoy winery tours in Santorini and visits to sites like the Parthenon in Athens and the Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples.
Always a Club Member favorite, cabins for the Greek Isles cruise are booking up quickly. Call now to secure your spot on this 2020 ClubPartner Perk Grand Adventure.
Sail to Bermuda
Pink Sands Beach in Bermuda. Photo by dimarik/Getty Images
Take a 7-Night Bermuda cruise round trip from New York City on Aug. 2, 2020, aboard the Norwegian Encore. Arrive at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard and enjoy a three-day stay on the island’s West End, an area known for its sightseeing, shopping, dining and entertainment experiences along with its many beautiful beaches.
Save Your Points
Have any leftover Points you’re not going to use this year? Give yourself more time to book an exciting CruisesOnly voyage by saving your Points before they expire on Dec. 31.
You can even use these saved Points on Grand Adventures, like our eight-day Tauck ClubPartner Perk Grand Adventure exploring Scotland. On July 19, 2020, start your trip in Glasgow for a stay in the historic Principal Blythswood Square Hotel. Then over the next six days, visit famous spots such as Loch Ness, Inverness, Edinburgh and St. Andrews.
Or join fellow Members on a 12-day tour of the Great Lakes beginning in Toronto and ending in Chicago. The journey aboard Ponant’s Le Champlain begins Sept. 21, 2021. Along the way, sail through Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michigan and enjoy hotel stays in the two cities. Act fast, this Tauck ClubPartner Perk Grand Adventure is sure to be a popular one and is anticipated to sell out quickly with limited cabins available on the intimately sized ship.
*Top photo by Aja Koska/Getty Images
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